Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak and Lisa Fanning's MemberConnects! Panel Now Posted to NGS YouTube Channel

 
Check out the recordings of our recent Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak and our MemberConnects! event with Lisa Fanning, Alison Wilde, Tristan Tolman, Kathey Williams, Tynan Peterson, and Rhone Kevorkian on the NGS YouTube Channel. There's plenty more on the channel as well, including SLAM! Idea Showcase videos and other webinars.

Join our Culture Conversation with Megan Smolenyak, A Genealogical Adventurer and Storyteller Solving Mysteries!

Join us for a captivating conversation with Megan Smolenyak, a renowned genealogical adventurer, storyteller, and expert in pushing the boundaries of conventional genealogy.

Megan Smolenyak is a name that resonates across the genealogical community. As a popular writer, speaker, and TV guest, her expertise has been featured on prestigious shows like Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN, and the BBC. Megan's passion for solving mysteries and making unexpected discoveries has taken her on remarkable adventures that have reshaped history and provided invaluable insights into the backgrounds of notable individuals.

Megan's expertise has led her to unravel fascinating stories and genealogical mysteries. From tracing Michelle Obama's roots showcased on The New York Times' front page, to revealing the true Annie Moore, the first immigrant through Ellis Island, Megan's discoveries have captivated the world. Learn about her incredible journey in correcting history and unraveling the roots of notable individuals like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and many more.

Megan's work isn't limited to historical figures. She has delved into the ancestry of well-known celebrities, shedding light on their roots and fascinating connections. From Martha Stewart to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Katy Perry to Prince, Megan's expertise has uncovered surprising genealogical links that demonstrate how we are all connected in unexpected ways.

22 May 2024 8:00 p.m. ET

Registration

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for an exciting exploration of the world of genealogy with Megan Smolenyak. Don't miss out on this chance to witness her passion, uncover hidden stories, and learn from a true expert in the field. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot now!

Unclaimed Persons – every life is worth remembering

Unclaimed Persons – every life is worth remembering

The tagline says it all.  Every life IS worth remembering.

We first talked about Unclaimed Persons back in 2013 in an article bearing the same title “Unclaimed Persons -- every life is worth remembering.”

The website has a new look and its continued mission is just as important as it has always been. “As of June 5, 2017, we have solved 471 cases! Our current solve rate is 70% and we have worked with 55 different county offices to help locate next of kin for unclaimed persons.”  On Facebook?  Unclaimed persons has a page.

So many more have not yet been solved.  The NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) UnClaimed Persons database, funded through a grant from the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, lists Unclaimed persons. Currently, the website lists 3925 cases!  NamUs also has a Missing Persons Database and an Unidentified Persons Database.

As genealogists, we can assist with helping identify next of kin for any deceased person who is unclaimed and possibly help with those who are deceased and remain unidentified.

Much of our family history research is done to honor our ancestors.  Connecting next of kin with unclaimed deceased individuals helps those families reconnect with a lost loved one.

What similar identification support services for unclaimed persons are you aware of?

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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Unless indicated otherwise or clearly an NGS Public Relations piece, Upfront with NGS posts are written by Diane L Richard, editor, Upfront with NGS.

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Megan Smolenyak releases details about the Lucky 13 grant program

During her presentation at the NGS Banquet on Friday, 10 May, Megan Smolenyak announced a new grant program, Lucky 13.

Megan Smolenyak speaking at the NGS 2013 Banquet

She promised that details would be forthcoming and those details have been posted to her website.

I announced what I'm calling my LUCKY 13 initiative and committed to giving 13 grants for the purpose of purchasing family treasures from pawn stores, doing the detective work to track down descendants of the original owners, and returning the item to that family.

Once you've made a rescue, apply for a Seton Shields Genealogical Grant. Over time, I will select a minimum of 13 such applications and cover the costs. It goes without saying that your odds of a successful rescue will improve considerably if you select an item with some form of identifying information, but if you happen to get stuck in your research efforts, consider submitting for my help with that aspect.

Do spread the word about this neat initiative.

Editor’s Note: Posts on Upfront with NGS regarding Heirlooms...

"No longer saved for generations, family heirlooms are being shed"

Send your orphan heirlooms home! (About Megan’s original Orphan Heirloom Rescue program)

And, two posts from Olive Tree Genealogy about heirlooms and bequeathing them to family ...

Documenting and Passing on Family Treasures

More Issues With Passing on Family Heirlooms and Preserving Their Provenance

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copyright © National Genealogical Society, 3108 Columbia Pike, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22204-4370. http://www.ngsgenealogy.org.

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Want to learn more about interacting with the blog, please read Hyperlinks, Subscribing and Comments -- How to Interact with Upfront with NGS Blog posts!

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NGS does not imply endorsement of any outside advertiser or other vendors appearing in this blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from NGS. Please drop us a note telling us where and when you are using the article. Express written permission is required if you wish to republish UpFront articles for commercial purposes. You may send a request for express written permission to UpFront@ngsgenealogy.org. All republished articles may not be edited or reworded and must contain the copyright statement found at the bottom of each UpFront article.

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Follow NGS via Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with NGS posts are always welcome. Please send any suggested topics to UpfrontNGS@mosaicrpm.com